This article covers MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk (ATX 10 Intel Core?LGA 1200 DDR4?CFX M.2 USB 3.2 Gen 2?2.5G LAN?DP.

Overview

The MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk is an ATX motherboard built around the Intel B460 chipset, designed for 10th Gen Intel Core processors (Comet Lake) on the LGA 1200 socket. It supports DDR4 memory up to 2933 MHz across four slots, making it a solid foundation for a mid-range gaming or productivity PC.
Key features include an extended heatsink design with M.2 Shield Frozr for thermal management, a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port (20 Gbps) driven by the ASMedia 3241 controller, and dual LAN with 2.5 GbE plus Gigabit Ethernet. There's also a slot for an optional Wi-Fi 6 module, giving you flexibility in network connectivity.
Positioned as an entry-to-mid-range motherboard, the MAG B460 Tomahawk focuses on stability and essential features rather than overclocking headroom. It's an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders who want reliable performance without paying a premium for unlocked multipliers.

Compatibility Guide

The LGA 1200 socket supports 10th Gen Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors. Note that 11th Gen (Rocket Lake) CPUs are not compatible with B460. Memory support is DDR4 DIMMs, four slots, up to 128 GB. Maximum memory speed is 2933 MHz with Core i7/i9, and 2666 MHz with Core i5 and below.
Form factor is standard ATX (305×244 mm), fitting most mid-tower and full-tower cases. PCIe slots include two x16 (both PCIe 3.0, second runs at x4) and two x1. CrossFire multi-GPU is supported, but for gaming a single GPU is recommended. Storage connectivity: six SATA 6 Gbps ports and two M.2 slots (both PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA compatible). The M.2 slots come with dedicated heatsinks (M.2 Shield Frozr).
Power connectors are a 24-pin ATX main and a single 8-pin EPS12V. For a typical build with a mid-range GPU (e.g., RTX 3060), a 650W power supply is sufficient.

Product Info

Released in mid-2020, the MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk is still available through various retailers. Typical pricing ranges from ¥9,000 to ¥12,000 (before tax), though online retailers listings may vary. Warranty is standard three years (confirm with seller).
Key specs: Intel B460 chipset, LGA 1200, DDR4-2933, Realtek ALC1200 audio, Realtek RTL8125B 2.5G LAN + Gigabit LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, two M.2 slots, six SATA ports.
Market positioning: entry-to-mid-range. The B460 chipset lacks overclocking support but offers a stable, cost-effective platform for 10th Gen CPUs. It's ideal for gamers on a budget and office builds where reliability matters more than peak performance.

Best Use Cases

  • Budget Gaming Build: Pair with a Core i5-10400F or i7-10700F and an RTX 3060-class GPU for smooth 1080p to 1440p gaming. The memory speed limitation has minimal impact on game FPS.
  • Stable Office / Home Server: No overclocking means rock-solid stability. Plenty of SATA ports for HDDs and M.2 for a fast boot drive. Perfect for a file server or workstation.
  • Secondary PC / Media Center: Compact ATX case, integrated graphics output via HDMI/DP (if using non-F CPU), and quiet operation make it suitable for HTPC or light creative work.
  • Who should NOT buy: Those planning to use 11th Gen CPUs, need memory overclocking (XMP above 3200 MHz), or require PCIe 4.0 support should look at Z490 or B560 boards instead.

Things to Consider

The biggest limitation is the lack of 11th Gen CPU support. If you ever plan to upgrade to Rocket Lake, you'll need a new motherboard. Memory speed is capped at 2933/2666 MHz depending on CPU; high-speed XMP kits will run at stock speeds.
PCIe 3.0 only: While current GPUs and SSDs work fine, future PCIe 4.0 devices will be limited to 3.0 bandwidth. For most users this isn't a practical issue, but enthusiasts may want a future-proof platform.
Competitors include the ASUS TUF Gaming B460-Plus and GIGABYTE B460 AORUS PRO. The MSI stands out with its 2.5G LAN, M.2 heatsinks, and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C. However, if you need Wi-Fi out of the box, you'll have to buy a module separately.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a Core i7-10700K on this board? Will it overclock?
A: Yes, the CPU will physically fit and run at stock speeds, but B460 does not support CPU overclocking. The 'K' suffix is wasted; you'd need a Z490 board for overclocking.
Q: Do both M.2 slots run at PCIe 3.0 x4?
A: Yes, both slots support PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA modes. However, using a SATA M.2 SSD may disable one of the SATA ports (check the manual for specifics).
Q: Does this motherboard have built-in Wi-Fi?
A: No, it does not include a Wi-Fi module. But there is an M.2 Key E slot for adding your own Wi-Fi/BT card (e.g., Intel AX200), and the rear I/O shield has antenna cutouts.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: MSI
  • Seller: Reg shop
  • Fulfilled by: Reg shop
  • ASIN: B0892SWQ7R
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.